Guillermo Del Toro quits The Hobbit

This news makes me happy. All those far more interesting GdT projects that could be better served with the mans time and attention over a needless ‘prequel’ (in two, possibly 3D films, no less) to the complete-on-its-own Lord of The Rings. Nobody wants to see a fine fantasy auteur waste his time on a cash cow. I am probably wrong on that last bit, but ah well. Hopefully some good and interesting cinema ahead from the big Mexican.

3 Comments

Thank goodness. The Hobbit was a no win situation for Del Toro due to the fanboys. Even the film was excellent, a large segment of the fanboys would crucifix him, for straying away from the novels and Jackson's film style; after all, a large portion of the LOTR fanboys rejected the Jackson's film from straying away from the book.

Cinepiles should feel glad about the decision. The time that it would of required Del Toro to film The Hobbit, would be the ttime equivalent of Del Toro doing 2 (maybe even 3) lower-budget films. I rather see two Devil's Backbone/Pan's Labrynth type films than a mere blockbuster.

I can't imagine how awful it must feel to spend two years of your life on something and then just walking away – although I assume that the screenplay and character designs he created/oversaw will remain as a big part of the film.

Who knows, maybe Jackson will jump back in the director's seat here. Or maybe Jackson's boy Bloomkamp?

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Robert Reineke: Will I get disqualified if I pull out the minimalist strategy I outlined last year?

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Rick: Personally I found that for the concept the film(which is quite good), it was not able to hold up to its opening scene which is a perfect little piece. The ending hit the meh note for me especially compared to how hard the beginning hit.

Kurt: It’s a cult film in JAPAN, I thought I framed it that way in the show…

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ultimolee: I’d forgotten god was in The Salvation…. Mads meets God, need to watch this ASAP

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David Brook: I was a little disappointed in SPL, but this looks awesome and with Yen you’re usually in safe hands action-wise at least. It’s got a nice old-school feel to it too, which appeals to my tastes.

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Jonathan: I definitely interpreted “popular” to mean “best-selling.” In terms of flavor, I’d imagine something like Sam Adams Boston Lager would have a widespread appeal if they ranked “favorite” in America, but maybe I’m giving...

David Brook: Yeah, I think it’s definitely a marmite film. I’m surprised it seems to be getting fairly unanimous praise as it’s a film you can easily pick apart and, like Jim’s experience, the general public at the screening I went to didn’t seem...

David Brook: This looks like a decent take on the zombie genre, which I’m usually very bored with. However, as much as I love Arnie, I’m not sure he can carry a serious role like this. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Jonathan: It looks like a fresh enough take on the zombie flick–and I like Arnie and Abigail. I’m in.